Thekkady, Wednesday, September 30, 2009: Twenty-two persons died and around eighty persons including foreigners were missing as a KTDC tourist boat capsized in Thekkady lake today evening.

The dead bodies of five women, one man and two kids have been recovered and ten persons have been rescued so far, according to initial reports. The dead bodies have been kept at Periyar hospital. Those rescued have been taken to hospital.

According to eyewitnesses, the accident took place around 5.15 in the evening as the boat “Jalakanyaka” overturned near Manakkavala around eight kilometers away from the boat-landing center. The passengers were mostly tourists from abroad and north India who were returning after sight seeing.

The passengers of the boat rushing to one side of the vessel to see wild animals, has been quoted as reason for the mishap. As passengers gathered on one side of the boat, the boat might have lost balance, forest officials said. The accident spot is reportedly 70-80 feet deep.

According to KTDC Chairman Cherian Philip, rescue operations by speedboats and Forest department boats have began at the spot, which is half an hour away from the shore. The capsized boat has been newly put into service. The missing number of passengers hasn’t been yet confirmed officially.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan assured that the rescue of all the passengers have been ensured. Police and lifeguards have been brought to the place and rescue operations were going on. The State has also sought the help of center for providing rescue helicopters.

The Indian Navy rescue team including 40 lifeguards has also been sent to the sight, on the orders of Defence Minister AK Antony. Earlier, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan had sought Antony’s help to press Navy for rescue operations.